The Prevalence and Determinants of Common Eye Conditions of Children in Kapsabet Division of Nandi County

Abstract

Background: Records from Kapsabet District Hospital Eye unit in the previous 5 years (2006-2010) showed that 40% of ocular morbidity affected children less than 15 years of age. Eye conditions if no early detection and prompt treatment is done, can lead to blindness.Objectives: To determine the prevalence and determinants of common eye conditionsof children in Kapsabet Division of Emgwen Constituency. Methodology: The study was a cross sectional community based in Kapsabet Division of Emgwen Constituency. Study population was guardians with children 2 months to 15 years who consented to administered questionnaire. It aimed at ascertaining socio-demographic characteristics of both guardian and the child, and the child’s status of eye condition. Data collection was carried out between the months of March and June 2012. In addition, four focused group discussions were held based on two variables, age and sex. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 384 guardians interviewed, 102 of households had children with eye conditions, making a proportion of 27%. Majority of guardians were female (60%), 75% were married and most of them were between age 18 and 43 years. Source of income for most guardians was from farming and majority had primary level of education. Children aged 5 to 10 years made up the largest group. Major complaints of eye conditions were allergic conjunctivitis 29%, eye discharge 22%, injuries 14% and congenital conditions 18%. Many guardians (32%) practiced home treatment for their children. Variables that were associated with eye condition and were statistically significant were: Number of living children a guardian had [OR: 1.610; 95% CI: 0.776-3.342] p-value 0.036, Level of education of guardian [OR: 1.025; 95% CI: 0.605-1.518] p-value 0.015. Guardian’s level of education was also associated with where the child was first treated [OR: 3.6; 95% CI 1.367-9.329] p-value 0.006. In the multivariate analysis, the number of living children a guardian had was found to be the major predictor of eye condition. Conclusion: Prevalence of children with eye conditions was 27% and the major complains of eye conditions were allergic conjunctivitis, discharge, injuries and congenital conditions. Recommendation: Ministry of Public health and Sanitation and other line ministries should design strategies to educate communities on eye conditions, preventions and the dangers of home treatment. The Government should set up social insurance health policy to cater for its citizen and ensure that health facilities have enough infrastructures.